New court documents have shed light on the tragic case of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs, who passed away from an overdose in 2019. These filings are part of a wrongful death lawsuit initiated by Skaggs’ family against the Angels, seeking $210 million in damages. The team’s former communications director, Eric Kay, is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence related to his role in Skaggs’ death.
The Angels recently submitted a motion for summary judgment to have the wrongful death claims dismissed, including testimony from Skaggs’ former agent, Ryan Hamill. He disclosed that Skaggs had admitted to obtaining prescription drugs from teammate Wade Miley, who is currently with the Cincinnati Reds. This revelation raises questions surrounding the culture of drug use in major league baseball, particularly among teammates.
In the context of the case, the Angels’ defense argues that Skaggs bears responsibility for his own death, citing his history of addiction and his efforts to procure illegal drugs over nearly a decade. The team presented evidence, including text messages between Skaggs and teammates, where he solicited pills from them shortly before his death, emphasizing a pattern of conduct that could complicate the family’s claims of negligence.
Among the striking developments in the case is testimony from Kay’s ex-wife, Camela, detailing her awareness of his drug use and the potential links to Skaggs. She recounted a failed intervention attempt and communications with Angels officials regarding Kay’s struggles with addiction. This testimony supports the Skaggs family’s assertion that the Angels organization should have been aware of Kay’s drug issues and their implications for player safety.
While the court filings contained sensitive information, including text messages and depositions intended to be sealed, they were inadvertently made public. This prompted the Angels to seek judicial intervention to restrict reporting on the matter, which a judge denied, affirming the rights of the media under the First Amendment.
The ongoing legal battle highlights the need for increased awareness and proactive measures regarding mental health and substance abuse within sports organizations. In light of the tragic circumstances surrounding Skaggs’ death, the case serves as a call to action for teams and players alike to establish stronger support systems for addiction and health issues.
This situation not only reflects the challenges faced by professional athletes but also underscores the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding addiction. With ongoing discussions about player welfare, there is hope that more robust frameworks will be developed to protect athletes and foster a healthier environment in professional sports.